To truly experience a place, you have to learn from its changemakers.
At Actuality Abroad, we believe that storytelling should serve this kind of work.
That’s why, in every destination, we collaborate with locally led social impact organizations—to ensure that the stories we tell don’t just document change, but contribute to it.
Most people want their travels to be meaningful. They want to feel inspired, connected, and changed by the experience. But tourism-as-usual rarely delivers. Instead of depth, it offers a checklist. Instead of connection, it promotes consumption.
At Actuality Abroad, we travel differently. We don’t just visit a place—we engage with it. We meet the people who live there, listen to their stories, and learn from their expertise. Our trips are built on collaboration, not observation.
At Actuality Abroad, the way we approach our work is rooted in clear principles. These aren’t abstract ideas or feel-good slogans—they’re practical guidelines that shape how we operate, collaborate, and create. These principles help us make decisions, set expectations, and hold ourselves accountable, whether we’re on location, in the editing room, or working with changemakers. Here’s a closer look at what drives us and why it matters.
In 2010, we started what would become Actuality Abroad with one simple idea: what if we could combine meaningful travel with stories that inspire hope? Back then, we didn’t know exactly what it would grow into, but we knew we wanted to create something that mattered.
Leading a university group trip abroad transforms academic learning into meaningful, real-world experiences. By immersing students in new cultures and challenges, these programs inspire personal growth, develop practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Adding documentary storytelling takes this impact even further—it’s a way for students to engage with local communities, listen deeply, and create stories that resonate long after the trip ends.
Planning a trip like this can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the logistics. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve broken the process into clear, actionable steps, making it easier to envision the journey from start to finish.